SA Rugby has appointed Ilhaam Groenewald as its first female Executive Council member, along with the returning of Monde Tabata as independent members of the Exco.

Groenewald and Tabata were elected last week and bring sporting and commercial expertise to the Executive Council.

Groenewald succeeds Mputumi Damani as one of two independent members of the 12-person Executive Council.

She was the first woman to be appointed to hold a position once occupied by former Springbok player, captain, coach and Union president, Dr Danie Craven. Furthermore, Groenewald is the first woman to become a member of the SA Rugby Executive Council.

Ilhaam joined Stellenbosch from the University of the Western Cape where she held the position of director of sport administration for more than a decade and has a degree in business administration and a masters degree in sports management.

Tabata is a graduate of Rhodes University and holds an honorary degree from Australia’s Monash University. He is a former managing director of Megapro – the commercial agents of SA Rugby – and served for 16 years on the Board of Directors of Peermont Global Group and was chair of the various trusts linked to the group.

Ilhaam Groenewald said: “My passion is sport management and development so when I was asked if I was happy to have my name put forward, I had no hesitation.

“You cannot work in sports administration in the Western Cape and not know about rugby so I have very good insight into the work that SA Rugby does. I have also received very positive support from Stellenbosch University management.

“I know SA Rugby has a very good story to tell and they are working hard to change the shape of the sport – as well as converting misplaced perceptions about it. I am excited to be joining them to offer experience and support in that process.

“I believe I have a very good understanding of sport at the grassroots level in our country and the challenges that are faced by our young athletes. I hope that type of background – as well as my experience in sports management – will offer some value to the Executive Council.”